BUFORD, Ga. -- Even in his death, 16-year old Adam Smith is making a difference. The Buford High school junior died late Sunday night after mysteriously collapsing during a workout at school.

His friends have started the hashtag #livelikeAdam to express the ways they plan to embody his spirit, and as an organ donor, he will be able to help nearly a dozen others in need.

"He has such a gracious spirit, he just always knew how to light up a room," said classmate Kat Tatum.

On Thursday, while running laps during a pre-season workout for basketball, Smith collapsed after telling a teacher he didn't feel well. The staff started CPR and used a defibrillator to keep him alive. But late Sunday night, after being unresponsive for three days, his parents made the painful decision to let him go.

Smith spent his life playing sports. He was involved in football, track and was #10 on last year's JV basketball team. He would have played varsity as a junior this year. But more than an athlete, the superintendent of Buford City schools says Smith was an amazing person.

"He was a bright spot in the day of anyone who encountered him. He was a great, great man and just phenomenal to be around," said Geye Hamby.

Smith's friends credit his faith. His Twitter page references Deuteronomy 31:6, which according to the ESV translation says, "Be strong and courageous. Do not fear or be in dread of them, for it is the LORD your God who goes with you. He will not leave you or forsake you."

Pastor Matt Stacy says Smith didn't just quote Scripture, he tried to live by it.

"The Bible tells us we are to be as Christ and have the mind of Christ. And if there were one thing that Adam did, he had that mind. He was a servant. He loved others," said Stacy.

"(He) always knew what to say. He always had the right tweets," added Tatum.

So perhaps it's only fitting that students are now paying tribute with their own tweets. The hashtag #livelikeAdam pays tribute to how they plan to be better, because of him. So far the commitments range from being strong to helping friends.

The family will certainly hear more when they meet with many of his friends during a visitation Tuesday from 5-8 p.m. at the Hamilton Mill Memorial Chapel in Buford. His funeral will be at the family's church, First Baptist Church Buford on Wednesday at 4 p.m.